| gov-ferguson-signs-hb-1392-medicaid-access-program-legislation | Gov. Ferguson Signs HB 1392 Medicaid Access Program Legislation | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/gov-ferguson-signs-hb-1392-medicaid-access-program-legislation | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>May 20, 2025</h5>
<h2>Gov. Bob Ferguson Signs HB 1392 to Improve Reimbursements, Strengthen Medicaid, Improve Access to Care in Washington State</h2>
<p>
<em>With its Medicaid Access Program bill now law, the Washington State Medical Association joins 50-state coalition to stop nationwide Medicaid cuts</em>
</p>
<p>
Washington state's physician community is celebrating today after <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1392&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1392</a>, legislation sponsored by Rep. Nicole Macri (D-Capitol Hill) that establishes the Medicaid Access Program, was signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday, May 19. Both the culmination of a multiyear coalition effort led by the Washington State Medical Association and the first step in a longer journey to increase access to services provided through Washington state's Medicaid program, HB 1392 establishes state law designed to leverage federal dollars, invest in Washington's Medicaid program, and allow physicians and advanced practitioners to take more Medicaid patients.
</p>
<p>
"Our work to increase access to routine preventive and acute primary and specialty care in Washington state is certainly not done, as Medicaid is under grave threat by Republicans in Congress," says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. "But the passage of our Medicaid Access Program bill is a moment that needs to be acknowledged. HB 1392 represents so much hard work by our many partners in the physician community, all of whom were driven by a compassionate desire to ensure Washingtonians can access the care they need."
</p>
<p>
Despite the fact that nearly 1 out of every 4 Washington residents is on Medicaid, the state effectively limits their access to primary and specialty care services by not paying the full cost of care. It's been decades since the Washington State Legislature has provided a broad-based reimbursement rate increase for physicians and practitioners serving Medicaid patients, with Washington's specialty Medicaid reimbursement rates among the worst in the nation. This underpayment means that many clinics and medical groups cannot afford to see the number of Medicaid patients who need care. As designed, the Medicaid Access Program will leverage federal funding to raise Medicaid reimbursement rates for all professional services provided by physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses from all specialties to at least Medicare levels and will index to inflation. Details on the Medicaid Access Program can be found <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/faq/">here</a>.
</p>
<p>
"The Medicaid Access Program is premised on the simple idea that Medicaid recipients deserve the same expert medical care as everyone else and the best way to do that is to increase reimbursement rates," says Dr. Bramhall.
</p>
<p>
Approval of the Medicaid Access Program represents a critical step in a long journey toward a healthier Washington. Over the past several months, the WSMA has been working in coalition with all 50 state medical associations to <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/no-federal-medicaid-cuts">stop federal cuts to state Medicaid programs</a>. In addition, the WSMA will be working in the coming months with the governor's office and the state Health Care Authority to seek required approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for the Medicaid Access Program. The Medicaid Access Program in HB 1392 was designed to comply with current federal regulations.
</p>
<p>
The WSMA would like to thank Rep. Macri for championing the legislation, the many physician organization partners and individual physicians that provided support and testimony for HB 1392, including the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Washington State Radiology Society, TRA Medical Imaging in Tacoma, Beth Ebel, MD, Jay Fathi, MD, Anna McKeone, MD, Douglas Seiler, MD, Lloyd Stambaugh, MD, Chelsea Unruh, MD, and the dozens of other state specialty societies, county medical societies, medical associations, clinics and medical groups, and hundreds of individuals who sent messages to legislators, submitted letters and op-eds to media, supplied data, and otherwise supported HB 1392.
</p>
<p>
<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/Press Room/1392-bill-signing-pic.jpg]">Download a hi-res photo of the bill signing</a>. Pictured: WSMA Government Affairs Director Sean Graham, WSMA contract lobbyist Amy Brackenbury, Gov. Bob Ferguson, and WSMA CEO Jennifer Hanscom.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short<br />
WSMA Director of Communications<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a> / 206.329.6851 cell/text
</p>
<h3>About the Washington State Medical Association</h3>
<p>
The WSMA represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
</div> | 5/20/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| washington-health-groups-sue-to-stop-federal-governments-deletion-of-vital-health-data-and-resources | WA Health Groups Sue to Stop Federal Government's Deletion of Vital Health Data and Resources | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Press_Release/2025/washington-health-groups-sue-to-stop-federal-governments-deletion-of-vital-health-data-and-resources | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right"><img src="/images/Logos/Press-Release-Graphic-2019-Branding.png" class="pull-right" alt="WSMA press release logo" /></div>
<h5>Tuesday, May 20, 2025</h5>
<h2>Washington Health Groups Sue to Stop Federal Government's Deletion of Vital Health Data and Resources</h2>
<p>
<em>The federal lawsuit aims to restore taxpayer-funded websites and databases relied on by health professionals, scientists, and researchers.</em>
</p>
<p>
Seattle – Today, a coalition of nine co-plaintiffs, including three Washington-based health professional organizations, sued the federal government to stop the deletion of vital public health and science data. Since January, the federal executive branch has deleted numerous websites that physicians, nurses, scientists, public health professionals and others rely upon, removing data on a wide range of topics including pregnancy risks, opioid-use disorder, the AIDS epidemic, and more.
</p>
<p>
"These executive-ordered website deletions were driven by ideology, not by science or evidence," said John Bramhall, MD, PhD, president of the Washington State Medical Association. "In an instant, trusted health information vanished—resources that physicians, other clinicians, and clinics relied on to manage patients' health conditions and overall care. This is more than a policy shift; it is a direct attack on science, evidence-based medicine, and our profession's ability to care for our patients. As the leading voice for physicians in Washington state, we must stop this direct interference into our ability to provide the best care for our patients."
</p>
<p>
The suit, filed in United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, would require the administration to restore deleted websites and stop any further removal of public health data. The suit highlights the administration's "arbitrary, capricious and unreasoned" decisions to delete these critical resources, which federal law requires be made available to the American people.
</p>
<p>
"Nurses strive to provide evidence-based care. That means care that is driven by current data—but we can't do that if the data is unavailable," said Justin Gill, DNP, APRN, RN, president of the Washington State Nurses Association. "The Administration's actions in deleting and scrubbing information from federal health agency websites not only harms our members—it endangers our patients, their families, and communities. We need access to current data to provide our patients with the care they need and the knowledge they need to make informed health care decisions."
</p>
<p>
In recent years, Washington has been on the front lines of public health crises where up-to-date, evidence-based care is crucial to effective prevention and treatment, from the first confirmed U.S. cases of COVID-19 and a recent surge in whooping cough cases to crises in youth mental health, fentanyl addiction, and many more.
</p>
<p>
"WCAAP is joining this lawsuit so that pediatricians regain access to the evidence and databases we need in order to care for children and their families," said Beth Ebel, MD, MPH, president of the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. "Our members have been startled to discover that critical travel advice to protect children and adolescents from infections has been removed, including guidance on highly effective medications and vaccinations. Early alert data identifying new injury and poison risks have been impacted. Long-time data that guide the health of kids in school and emergence of new risks such as Zyn pods filled with flavored nicotine are impacted. Families rely upon pediatricians to provide the best advice for their children, and pediatricians need access to critical data to guide their care and do our jobs."
</p>
<p>
Washington State Medical Association et al. v. Kennedy et al. highlights the significant impact of the deleted information. The scrubbing of data is preventing physicians, nurses, and other practitioners from providing critical information to their patients, preventing nonprofit health organizations from utilizing data to inform cutting-edge research, and impeding efforts by local governments to track the spread of disease and address behavioral health crises.
</p>
<p>
"We can't afford to stand on the sidelines while the foundation of evidence-based research—open, public data—is quietly dismantled," said Aaron Carroll, MD, president and CEO of AcademyHealth. "Access to trustworthy information is what allows us to solve real problems, improve health outcomes, and plan for the future. If we don't stand up for data now, we risk losing the tools we all rely on to make progress—regardless of politics."
</p>
<p>
The lawsuit's nine plaintiffs are the following: Washington State Medical Association, Washington State Nurses Association, Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, AcademyHealth, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, Fast-Track Cities Institute, International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, National LGBT Cancer Network, and Vermont Medical Society.
</p>
<p>
For more information contact:
</p>
<p>
Graham Short, WSMA<br />
<a href="mailto:gfs@wsma.org">gfs@wsma.org</a>, c: 206.329.6851 (text OK)
</p>
<p>
Lelach Rave, MD, WCAAP<br />
<a href="mailto:lrave@wcaap.org">lrave@wcaap.org</a>, c: 206.403.6105 (text OK)
</p>
<p>
Evan Sutton, WSNA<br />
<a href="mailto:esutton@wsna.org">esutton@wsna.org</a>, c: 206.851.0178
</p>
<p>
Bobbi Nodell, WSNA<br />
<a href="mailto:bnodell@wsna.org">bnodell@wsna.org</a>, c: 206.639.1708
</p>
<h3>BACKGROUND AND MORE</h3>
<p>
<strong>Relevant EOs:</strong> <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/30/2025-02090/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal">Executive Order 14168</a>, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," was signed on Jan. 20, 2025. <a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-01953.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Executive Order 14151</a>, titled "Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing," was signed the same day.
</p>
<p>
<strong>"Gold-standard" resources deleted</strong>, identified include: NIH's HIV Risk Reduction Tool, information related to National Immunization Awareness Month, HRSA FAQs for Mpox treatment, HRSA information about opioid use among women, various resources on health issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, guidance to integrate diversity and inclusion in work related to mental-health assistance for the homeless, training modules from NIH's Office of Research on Women's Health, information related to transgender behavioral-health disparities, an HHS reading list titled "Advancing Better Health Through Better Understanding for Black and African American Communities: Health Literacy, Health Care Access, and Culturally Appropriate Care," and HHS's website dedicated to reproductive rights.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About WSMA:</strong>&nbsp;The Washington State Medical Association represents nearly 13,000 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 125 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About WSNA: </strong>The Washington State Nurses Association is a professional organization and labor union representing more than 20,000 registered nurses in Washington state. It is the Washington constituent of the American Nurses Association and an affiliate of AFT, a national union representing professionals in education, health care, and public service. The WSNA is dedicated to advancing and advocating for nurses and the nursing profession in Washington. It provides leadership for the nursing profession and promotes quality health care for consumers through education, collective bargaining, and policy advocacy. The WSNA and its members are on the front line of providing health care services, including preventive care.
</p>
<p>
<strong>About WCAAP:</strong>&nbsp;The Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics represents over 1,200 pediatric health care professionals from across Washington state. Our mission is to optimize the health and well-being of children and their families while advancing pediatric care. The WCAAP frames and leads the public discussion on child health issues, advances public policy to benefit children, and empowers pediatric clinicians to provide quality medical care.
</p>
</div> | 5/20/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| numerous-special-elections-on-tap-for-2025 | Numerous Special Elections on Tap for 2025 | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/may-16/numerous-special-elections-on-tap-for-2025 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/may/istock-1259154099-stethoscope-ballotbox-blue-background-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="ballot being place in ballot box with image of stethoscope on the outside" /></div>
<h5>May 16, 2025</h5>
<h2>Numerous Special Elections on Tap for 2025</h2>
<p>2025 is a unique post-presidential election year for Washington state as there is an array of special elections for legislative seats slated in November. A combination of retirements, elections to higher offices, and appointments made by Gov. Bob Ferguson necessitates at least nine special elections across six legislative districts. Washington Medical Political Action Committee-better known as WAMPAC, the nonpartisan campaign arm of the WSMA-will monitor and engage in these campaigns to highlight the priorities of the house of medicine.</p>
<h3>Special election process</h3>
<p>When a vacancy arises in the Legislature, generally the board of county commissioners or county council bears the responsibility to select a replacement. As outlined in the state constitution, the local political party of the departing legislator nominates three replacements for consideration and the board or council picks from that list. If a decision isn't reached within 60 days of a vacancy occurring, the governor has 30 days to make an appointment. Then, a special election is held for the voters to determine who will hold the seat for the remainder of the legislative term whether that is the appointee or another candidate who runs for the position.</p>
<h3>5th Legislative District</h3>
<p>State Sen. Bill Ramos died unexpectedly on April 19 and the process to fill this vacancy has not yet begun at the time of this writing. Current Rep. Victoria Hunt plans to seek the Senate seat, potentially creating another vacancy in the 5th district. The 5th District includes Issaquah, Renton, and Snoqualmie, among other areas.</p>
<h3>26th Legislative District</h3>
<p>Former state Sen. Emily Randall was elected to Congress during the 2024 elections, creating an open Senate seat in the 26th District. Deborah Krishnadasan was appointed to fill the vacancy, serving as the district's state senator during the 2025 legislative session. Rep. Michelle Caldier, the Republican representative in this district, has announced she will also run for the Senate seat. The 26th District includes parts of Kitsap and Pierce counties and is one of the few remaining swing districts in the state.</p>
<h3>33rd Legislative District</h3>
<p>The most tenured member of the state Senate, Sen. Karen Keiser, announced her retirement last year, after serving the 33rd Legislative District for 29 years. Her retirement came mid-term and Tina Orwall, a longtime member of the House representing the same district, was appointed to fill the Senate seat. Sen. Orwall will run for election in November to retain the Senate seat and finish out the legislative term. This domino effect created an open House seat in the 33rd District and Rep. Edwin Obras was appointed and will also face an election in November to retain his seat. Both Sen. Orwall and Rep. Obras sit on their chamber's respective health care committees.</p>
<h3>34th Legislative District</h3>
<p>Following Gov. Ferguson's election, he selected then-state Sen. Joe Nguyen of the 34th Legislative District to serve as the director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. Then-Rep. Emily Alvarado was selected to his Senate seat and Brianna Thomas was appointed to the resulting vacated House seat. Both Alvarado and Thomas are expected to run in November to retain their positions. The 34th District encompasses West Seattle, Vashon Island, and parts of Burien and White Center.</p>
<h3>41st Legislative District</h3>
<p>In another open seat created due to Gov. Ferguson's appointments, then-Rep. Tana Senn was selected to lead the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The King County Council appointed Bellevue City Councilmember Janice Zahn, who will run to retain the seat. The 41st District includes Mercer Island and the surrounding cities and is reliably Democratic.</p>
<h3>48th Legislative District</h3>
<p>Patty Kuderer was elected to statewide office, becoming the state's insurance commissioner and leaving an open Senate seat. Then-state Rep. Vandana Slatter was selected to fill the Senate position and Osman Salahuddin was appointed to the House seat. Sen. Slatter sits on the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee and Rep. Salahuddin worked as a researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine. Both legislators are expected to run to retain their respective seats, and current 48th District Rep. Amy Walen has signaled she will also run for the Senate seat against her former seatmate.</p>
<h3>Stay engaged-join the WAMPAC Diamond Club</h3>
<p>Your engagement on campaigns makes a difference as we work year-round to strengthen the voice of medicine in politics. A new WAMPAC Diamond Club membership cycle has begun, and our effectiveness depends on the support of physicians like you! Diamond Club members receive special recognition at WSMA events, insider election updates, opportunities to connect with elected officials, and more. Invest in the Diamond Club today by visiting the WAMPAC webpage at <a href="[@]wampac">wsma.org/wampac</a>. If you have questions about WAMPAC's campaign activities, contact WAMPAC Director Alex Wehinger at <a href="mailto:alex@wsma.org">alex@wsma.org</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/16/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| take-the-doh-health-professional-shortage-area-survey | Take the DOH Health Professional Shortage Area Survey | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/may-16/take-the-doh-health-professional-shortage-area-survey | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/may/female-patient-physician-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="female patient in an exam room" /></div>
<h5>May 16, 2025</h5>
<h2>Take the DOH Health Professional Shortage Area Survey</h2>
<p>Health professional shortage areas refer to geographic regions, specific population groups, or health care facilities that lack sufficient primary, dental, or mental health care physicians or practitioners to meet the population's needs. The federal government designates these areas and assesses them, and assigns a score based on national data sets. A crucial component in this assessment is the provider data collected by individual states.</p>
<p>The Primary Care Office of the Washington State Department of Health is responsible for <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=HPSAProviderSurvey">surveying all physicians and practitioners</a> eligible for HPSA designation in Washington. This process ensures that the most recent data is incorporated into the system, allowing for the evaluation of current HPSA designations or the creation of new ones that meet federal eligibility requirements during the national updates. If you have not submitted an HPSA survey in the past 24 months or if there have been changes in your current work status, please <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=HPSAProviderSurvey">complete the survey</a>.</p>
<h3>Why are HPSAs Important?</h3>
<p>State and federal agencies use HPSA designations to prioritize and allocate limited resources to areas with unmet health care needs. Workforce programs utilize HPSAs to help determine eligibility for their services.</p>
<ul>
<li>CMS HPSA Bonus Payment Program</li>
<li>National Health Service Corps</li>
<li>CMS Rural Health Clinic Program</li>
<li>Nurse Corps</li>
<li>IHS Loan Repayment Program</li>
<li>WA Health Corps</li>
<li>J-1 Visa Waiver</li>
</ul>
<h3>Take the survey</h3>
<p>Take the <a href="https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=HPSAProviderSurvey">survey online</a> or access a printable version on the <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/rural-health/useful-links">Department of Health website</a>.<br />
To request a spreadsheet for multiple practitioners, please contact the Department of Health at <a href="mailto:PCO@doh.wa.gov">PCO@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/16/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| wsma-opposes-house-republican-proposed-cuts-to-medicaid | WSMA Opposes House Republican Proposed Cuts to Medicaid | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/advocacy-report/2025/may-16/wsma-opposes-house-republican-proposed-cuts-to-medicaid | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/advocacy-report/2025/may/istock-1442379947-for-web-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="female doctor showing a tablet screen to a mom and daughter" /></div>
<h5>May 16, 2025</h5>
<h2>WSMA Opposes House Republican Proposed Cuts to Medicaid </h2>
<p><em>Send a message to your member of Congress today</em> </p>
<p>Earlier this week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved significant reforms to the Medicaid program as part of a broader Republican budget package. The reforms include massive cuts to the Medicaid program that would have a severe impact on patient care in Washington state. </p>
<p>The WSMA continues outreach to all members of Washington's congressional delegation. On Tuesday, we sent letters to the two Republican members, <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2025/wsma-letter-to-rep-newhouse-05132025.pdf]" target="_blank">Rep. Dan Newhouse</a>&nbsp;and <a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/News and Publications/newsletters/2025/wsma-letter-to-rep-baumgartner-05132025.pdf]" target="_blank">Rep. Michael Baumgartner</a>, urging them to not support any bill that would significantly reduce Medicaid funding to our state. In the letter, WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD, says:</p>
<p>"Nationwide, the current proposal would impose $715 billion in cuts to health care and result in more than 13.7 million Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollees losing coverage. While the legislation stops short of imposing per-capita caps on Medicaid, it includes equally damaging restrictions on longstanding Medicaid financing mechanisms. </p>
<p>These proposed changes would have severe consequences for Washington state, intensifying our existing budget challenges and destabilizing the health care system-particularly in rural areas where Medicaid is a primary coverage source. Physician reimbursement already falls short of the cost of care, and further reductions or limitations on payments would deprive frontline physicians of critical resources, reduce access to care, and worsen health outcomes across our communities." </p>
<p>Provisions include: </p>
<ul>
<li>Restrictions and moratoriums that would eliminate provider and managed care taxes thereby significantly decreasing Medicaid program funding in Washington state and jeopardizing approval of the WSMA's Medicaid Access Program. </li>
<li>Reducing federal matching funds for the 14 states that cover undocumented residents with state-only funding, including Washington. </li>
<li>Defunding of non-profits that provide family planning and reproductive health care. </li>
<li>To review and monitor these and additional provisions as the legislation moves its way through Congress, view the KFF <a href="https://www.kff.org/tracking-the-medicaid-provisions-in-the-2025-budget-bill/">Medicaid Provisions in the 2025 Reconciliation Bill tracker</a>. </li>
</ul>
<p>The bill now advances to the House Budget Committee. The full House of Representatives is expected to pass the measure by Memorial Day, after which the Senate will consider. Congress' goal is to deliver the bill to President Donald Trump by July 4. </p>
<p>Take time right now to <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/no-federal-medicaid-cuts/?_zs=Pimae1&amp;_zl=Wj6DA">send your member of Congress a message</a>, urging them to vote against cuts to the Medicaid program. </p>
<h3>Join our national patient texting campaign </h3>
<p>The WSMA has joined the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition in launching a nationwide peer-to-peer Medicaid texting campaign and we need volunteers. </p>
<p>Using a secure platform called RumbleUp, you'll send prewritten, personalized messages to voters in key congressional districts urging them to call their members of Congress to oppose Medicaid cuts. All texts are sent through RumbleUp's secure platform; your personal phone number is never used. </p>
<p><a href="https://wsma.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTk3NDAwNSZwPTEmdT0xMDc4MTA4MzYwJmxpPTExNTcyNDEyNw/index.html">Learn more and volunteer today</a>. </p>
<h3>A small bright spot </h3>
<p>
While the WSMA strongly opposes the proposed Medicaid cuts, we recognize one positive provision in the proposed budget package: an update to Medicare physician payments tied to the Medicare Economic Index. This update, long advocated by the WSMA and physician groups nationwide, would better align payment rates with practice growth costs, offering much needed stability to physicians treating Medicare patients. If finalized, 2026 would see a conversion factor based on 75% of the Medicare Economic Index and 10% in subsequent years. </p>
</div> | 5/16/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| climate-checkup-for-health-care | Climate Checkup for Health Care | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/climate-checkup-for-health-care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Reports/2025/may-june/cover-wsma-may-june-2025-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="cover image from May-June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports" /></div>
<h5>May 13, 2025</h5>
<h2>Climate Checkup for Health Care</h2>
<h5>
<em>Members only; sign-in required.</em>
</h5>
<p>
By Rita Colorito
</p>
<p>
At Seattle Children's Hospital, during procedures, pediatric anesthesiologist Elizabeth Hansen, MD, can tell if kids have been exposed to wildfire smoke damage. Some 15 miles north in Kirkland, cardiologist Mark Vossler, MD, recalls one heart patient who was stable when they left a checkup, broke down driving home, and had a heart attack waiting for a tow in 100-plus-degree heat. Like these physicians, at some point nearly every health care professional will treat someone impacted by climate change. Yet health care's role in the climate crisis goes beyond patient health. The U.S. health care sector produces approximately 8.5% of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions-the highest health sector percentage of any country, according to the most recent analysis.
</p>
<p>
These and other unintended climate consequences challenge medicine's long-held credo of "first, do no harm." Increasingly, however, concerned members of the medical community, including the WSMA, are taking an active role in the climate equivalent of "physician, heal thyself," asking what health care can and should do to reduce its carbon footprint.
</p>
<h3>WSMA House of Delegates leads the charge</h3>
<p> Since 2016, the WSMA House of Delegates has adopted varied policies calling for solutions that both reduce pollution and promote healthier, sustainable communities, including those aimed at mitigating the health effects of climate change through sustainable practices statewide. Adding to the roster of climate-forward policy, last year, delegates passed new policies focused on specific actions for health care professionals and organizations. They include policies directing the WSMA to: </p>
<ul>
<li>Encourage hospitals and surgical centers in Washington to adopt programs to reduce the climate impacts from anesthesia.</li>
<li>Encourage hospitals and clinics to reduce their use of plastics, particularly single-use plastics.</li>
<li>Urge members, health care organizations, and affiliated stakeholders to decarbonize the U.S. health sector by following the National Academy of Medicine's Sustainability Journey Map (see sidebar on pg. 11).</li>
</ul>
<p>
"There's motivation for most people in health care to do what they can to reduce emissions. The challenge is picking what things to focus on and the costs," says Dr. Vossler, who co-authored the new policies. Dr. Vossler, now retired, serves as the president of Physicians for Social Responsibility and on the climate and health task force of the national advocacy group's Washington chapter.</p>
<p>
The priority? Reducing the use of anesthetic gases. "If we had to pick one thing to do first, that's the area to focus on for every hospital and every surgical center," says Dr. Vossler.
</p>
<p>
Desflurane and nitrous oxide gas are the worst offenders based on clinical equivalency, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Desflurane is the inhaled anesthetic that is the most potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 2,540 times that of carbon dioxide. N2O has a global warming potential 273 times that of carbon dioxide and an atmospheric lifetime of over 100 years. Currently, N2O is also the single greatest contributor to the destruction of the ozone layer. In the U.S., it's estimated to contribute some 3% to ozone destruction.
</p>
<p>
Reducing single-use plastics matters on two levels, says Dr. Vossler. One, the manufacturing of these materials is carbon intensive. Moving to reusables means less is produced and less carbon dioxide emitted.
</p>
<p>
The other issue is the proliferation of microplastics and nanoplastics in the human body. Dr. Vossler cites a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine that found microplastics in atheromatous plaque removed from carotid arteries.
</p>
<p>
"Patients who had microplastic in their carotid arteries at the time of surgery had higher subsequent cardiac event rates than patients who did not have it," he says. "The thing about plastics is that for a lot of things, we have alternatives. We just have fallen into this complacency."
</p>
<h3>Partnering for progress</h3>
<p> Following NAM's Sustainability Journey Map to decarbonize the health sector is the goal, says Dr. Vossler, but one that will take firm, continuous commitment and resources to achieve. To get health care there, the WSMA, at the direction of its House of Delegates, is working with the Washington State Hospital Association to explore ways to promote and implement these climate change policies.</p>
<p> "When we seek to mitigate health care's impact on climate change, we only want to do so in a manner that maintains patient safety and clinical excellence, doesn't increase the administrative burden or workload for physicians, and does not significantly increase the cost of delivering care," says WSMA President John Bramhall, MD, PhD. "Addressing the climate impacts of health care should not supersede the clinical judgment of a physician acting in a patient's best interest." </p>
<p>
At its Quality Leaders Collaborative this spring, hospital leaders throughout the state and the Washington State Health Care Authority shared what they are doing to mitigate climate change and improve resilience and adaptation. "Hearing from hospitals similar to theirs that are successfully implementing innovative approaches inspires meaningful change," says Tracy Wellington, RN, WSHA senior director of clinical excellence and rural programs, who oversees the Medicaid Quality Incentive Program, a partnership between the two organizations.
</p>
<p>
The increased use of telemedicine and wearable patient-monitoring devices, such as for blood glucose, are some ways hospitals identified to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining high- quality care, says Wellington. "Reducing patient travel presents an opportunity not only to enhance accessibility and convenience for patients but also to significantly cut emissions, improving environmental sustainability."
</p>
<p>
WSHA is collaborating with the HCA to focus on measures in the Medicaid Quality Initiative Program to address climate change and highlight its impact on health, and with the American Hospital Association to plan a regional workshop on environmental impact on community health to take place in September.
</p>
<h3>Paving the way</h3>
<p>
Hospitals and medical centers throughout Washington state are already making climate change a priority. In a 2024 WSHA survey, 53 hospitals reported actively monitoring their greenhouse gas emissions.
</p>
<p>
Some, like Providence, have created executive roles to tackle climate change. In 2023, Providence appointed Brian Chesebro, MD, as its first medical director for environmental stewardship, a role he had served at Providence Oregon since 2019.
</p>
<p>
"The position isn't just standing upon a soapbox talking about environmental impacts. It provides perspective in a broader conversation and analysis of driving health care toward higher value," says Dr. Chesebro, defining value as quality divided by cost. Quality factors include safety, efficacy, efficiency, equity, patient centeredness, resilience, and compliance. Cost includes financial, social, and environmental costs.
</p>
<p>
Under Dr. Chesebro's leadership, Providence undertook two large anesthesia-related emissions mitigation projects, including one addressing nitrous oxide consumption-reducing these greenhouse gases by the equivalent of 10,000 metric tons of CO2 a year. N2O is relatively inexpensive, so an environmental impact analysis revealed something a scan of financial ledgers alone would have missed, says Dr. Chesebro: The hospitals' central pipe systems were leaking and wasting over 90% of N2O.
</p>
<p>
Leaks can happen throughout the system, making it challenging and unfeasible to avoid N2O losses through maintenance and repair. The environmental health impact to patients, caregivers, and staff is more difficult to measure but was also a serious concern, says Dr. Chesebro.
</p>
<p>
"It wasn't an issue with clinical overuse," he says. "Financially, it's not a huge expense for the hospital … But when we looked at it on our environmental ledger, we said 'whoa, this is an opportunity for us to start thinking about the other facets of value.' "
</p>
<p>
In October, following similar recommendations from the Royal College of Anaesthetists in the U.K. and referencing Dr. Chesebro's analysis, the American Society of Anesthesiologists recommended deactivating central piped N2O and transitioning to a portable source for N2O delivery for all clinical use-building on its 2022 guidelines to reduce the carbon footprint from inhaled anesthesia, which included:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Avoiding inhaled anesthetics with disproportionately high climate impacts, such as desflurane and nitrous oxide.</li>
<li>Selecting the lowest possible fresh gas flow when using inhaled anesthetics.</li>
<li>Prioritizing regional anesthesia and intravenous anesthesia when appropriate, since they have less of a negative environmental impact.</li>
<li>Avoiding centrally piped N2O, substituting with portable canisters that should be closed between uses to avoid continuous leaks.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Providence had already implemented these changes. Dr. Chesebro's current project is focusing on value-based solutions to reduce the use of metered- dose inhalers for people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The propellant used has 1,000 times the global warming effects of carbon dioxide, and at 75% of the market, according to The Commonwealth Fund, has an equivalent emissions impact of driving half a million cars for a year.
</p>
<p>
"You have to go through that whole value analysis again. Is it going to improve [patient] resilience? Is it going to improve their disease control? Is it going to cost them 10 times more? How do you balance all of that? It's really complicated, but it is another opportunity," says Dr. Chesebro.
</p>
<h3>A data-driven approach to mitigation</h3>
<p>
Anyone hoping to undertake a climate- change initiative should start with data- driven analysis, looking at all aspects of operations, including clinical delivery of care, says Dr. Chesebro. "It has to be this holistic assessment of the way our health system operates."
</p>
<p>
A data-driven approach is at the heart of Senate Bill 5236, legislation the WSMA supported during the 2025 legislative session to require the Washington State Department of Ecology to address greenhouse gas emissions from anesthetic gases by establishing a multistep process to study, understand, and reduce these emissions in Washington. WSMA's support was driven by House of Delegates policy asking the WSMA to assist hospitals, surgical centers, and anesthesiology practices in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
</p>
<p>
The Washington State Society of Anesthesiologists also supported the bill. "We were happy to support it as a generally environmentally responsible piece of legislation, perhaps not primary to our mission, but the board felt like we could support it, given that it preserved the autonomy of the physicians to make good patient decisions and that it was not unduly burdensome," says Erik Condon, MD, president of the society.
</p>
<p>
The bill did not pass the Senate Ways and Means Committee but will automatically be reintroduced during next year's session. Dr. Vossler remains hopeful that some version will pass.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Condon, an anesthesiologist affiliated with Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Children's Hospital in Spokane, remains encouraged by organizations like his own that have already taken action to reduce anesthesia-related greenhouse gases. "The more we do things of our own volition, the less likely we're going to have clumsy rules made that reduce our flexibility and ability to exercise our judgment at the point of care," he says.
</p>
<p>
He advocates for physicians to review data and practices at the patient care level to mitigate the climate impact; for example, grouping medical procedures under a single anesthetic when possible. "From a patient standpoint and from a more environmental and just efficiency standpoint, it's better for us to be proactive," says Dr. Condon.
</p>
<p>
When Dr. Hansen joined Seattle Children's eight years ago, data is what propelled her to become a climate change crusader. The hospital's then- manager of sustainability programs, Colleen Groll, produced yearly greenhouse gas emissions reports. Anesthesia gases represented 7% of the hospital's total emissions. Shocked by the data, Dr. Hansen resolved to learn and share all she could about mitigation.
</p>
<p>
To build collaboration among different groups, Dr. Hansen took software Seattle Children's uses for clinical quality improvement metrics and used it to track climate change educational initiatives and emission mitigation strategies. Each month she sends out a performance report, highlighting high performers and sharing their strategies for reducing emissions. After each report, physicians often ask how they can improve and get recognized in the newsletter. That friendly competition helps motivate everyone to do better, says Dr. Hansen. "Now we're more than 90% lower in terms of our average emissions for every anesthetic that we do at Seattle Children's compared to where we started."
</p>
<p>
Sustainability work by Dr. Hansen and others are part of Seattle Children's commitment to become carbon neutral by the end of 2025. Since Groll retired, the hospital has hired a sustainability director with a higher level of authority to implement sustainability programs.
</p>
<h3>Building bridges</h3>
<p>
Building consensus is a critical part of implementing any sustainability initiative, says Dr. Hansen. Before moving desflurane vaporizers out of the OR to a separate room-the idea being the effort to get it would cause someone to rethink its need-her group went through several rounds of use analysis and conversation. After one year, the group reanalyzed their decision and removed desflurane from Seattle Children's formulary altogether.
</p>
<p>
"It took a little bit of time to have those discussions and really make sure that we were listening to everybody's viewpoints, taking into account patient safety and those concerns, and reviewing the literature ... And once we were able to all feel comfortable with that, then we moved forward," says Dr. Hansen.
</p>
<p>
Sharing Seattle Children's emissions- reduction success during meetings of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia led to the expansion of Project SPRUCE into a pediatric anesthesia quality improvement consortium. Dr. Hansen serves as its principal investigator. The group applies the same data tracking to their own hospital systems.
</p>
<p> Since it began a little over a year ago, the consortium has grown to include 12 hospitals. Emissions from inhaled anesthetics have already decreased by 50% among the consortium's nine initial hospitals. This also results in cost savings. Yearly spending on inhaled anesthetics, minus nitrous oxide, has gone from a total of $250,000 a year down to about $75,000 a year, says Dr. Hansen.</p>
<p>
"Sustainable care isn't just using the lower-carbon-intense widget," says Dr. Chesebro. In his own work, he often uses the Sustainability in Quality Improvement Programme from the U.K.-based Centre for Sustainable Healthcare. In this model, patient empowerment and disease prevention are the two most upstream principles of sustainability.
</p>
<p>
"The greenest health care is the health care that we don't need to do," says Dr. Chesebro. "It includes partnering with our patients to make sure that they stay healthy … so they don't have to enter into care delivery in these high resource- intense hospital environments. That is climate action that does reduce the climate impact of health care."
</p>
<p>
As we head into summer, Dr. Chesebro worries about the larger implications of dangerously high temperatures. At the top of his mind: heat domes-high pressure systems that create and trap extreme high temperatures over a region like the one over the Pacific Northwest in the summer of 2021. "One thing that's often overlooked is the impact on the day-to-day operations of health care facilities under a sustained heat dome," he says. "We're also having to think about how our facilities continue to operate safely in the face of these environmental challenges."
</p>
<p>
One thing is clear as climate change continues to wreak havoc in Washington state and across the globe: Health care is an inextricable part of the problem and the solution.
</p>
<p>
"There are so many opportunities for every single one of us in Washington state to be taking on some aspect of this work-whether that's advocacy, working with our patients on education, or doing the kind of mitigation work that we're trying to do," says Dr. Hansen. "We are trusted voices. We do understand and know this information. And we can make a big difference."
</p>
<p>
<em>Rita Colorito is a freelance writer specializing in health care.</em>
</p>
<p>
<em>This article was featured in the May/June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports, WSMA's print magazine.</em>
</p>
</div> | 5/13/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| risk-mitigation-during-medication-and-specialty-shortages-equipment-recalls | Risk Mitigation During Medication and Specialty Shortages, Equipment Recalls | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/risk-mitigation-during-medication-and-specialty-shortages-equipment-recalls | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>May 13, 2025</h5>
<h2>Risk Mitigation During Medication and Specialty Shortages, Equipment Recalls</h2>
<p>By Heather Edwards, RN</p>
<p>
As many in health care will recall, the nation saw a dramatic shortage of iodine in 2022, after a two-month COVID-19 lockdown resulted in manufacturing interruptions. Doctors, clinics, and hospitals scrambled to respond to the shortage, contending with delays in treatments, patient backlogs, and less-than-ideal alternatives. Rallying to provide guidance, organized medicine stepped in, with the American College of Radiology Committee on Drugs and Contrast Media offering recommendations to help imaging specialists address the shortage until supplies could resume.
</p>
<p>
Medication shortages in the U.S. have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, predating the pandemic. But that's not all: The U.S. is also seeing an increase in medical equipment recalls and delayed procedures due to local or statewide staffing shortages. These events can have consequences for patient care, from delays in care to missed diagnoses. Considering that claims are often filed years after an adverse event occurs, it is essential for physicians and physician organizations to develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies for health care shortages and recalls.
</p>
<h3>Medication shortages</h3>
<p>
Drug shortages can be caused by many factors. As the medications listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Drug Shortages Database are constantly changing, the level of threat to the patient can range from minimal to devastating. Consult recognized societies and associations when available. They may provide best practice recommendations.
</p>
<p>
The recommendations offered by the American College of Radiology in response to the iodine shortage in 2022 may contain useful principles that can be applied to other situations, as well. Those recommendations advised specialists:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Use alternative studies, with or without contrast, appropriate for patient circumstances.</li>
<li>Use alternative versions of contrast media or sourcing from different vendors.</li>
<li>Discuss strategies that may be appropriate for repackaging of higher-volume single-use vials (involving infection control and pharmacy).</li>
<li>Reduce waste by minimizing individual doses.</li>
<li>Identify studies for which higher concentration agents are needed for optimal visualization.</li>
<li>Use recognized and approved alternatives to nonionic contrast for oral, rectal, and genitourinary administration.</li>
<li>Collaborate with other departments that use iodine-based agents in order to prioritize use.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Further, if contrast media was in short supply, specialists were advised to develop mitigation, prioritization, and procurement strategies, as well as communicate with ordering physicians. Since substitutions in the contrast media drug, the concentration, or the indications may have led to confusion and resulted in administration errors, the society recommended that a "contrast time-out" be added to any imaging procedure to ensure that the correct agent, amount, and concentration is being used.
</p>
<h3>Documentation and communication</h3>
<p>
Concerns arise for malpractice exposure when a needed medication is not available or if a substitution is used to bridge the gap. Documentation and creating a detailed plan play critical roles for patient safety. Share the plan with staff involved in patient care and make sure it includes documentation standards. Include the following type of information in the patient's medical record, adapting details to specific circumstances:
</p>
<ul>
<li>The health care crisis or situation impacting patient care.</li>
<li>Alternative medications or studies considered and used in accordance with any revised clinical guidelines.</li>
<li>Patient factors taken into consideration</li>
<li>Shared decision-making with the patient.</li>
<li>Any deviations from the norm (dosage, concentration, medication, changes in studies, etc.).</li>
<li>The use of procedural "time-out" prior to administration in cases of a major deviation.</li>
<li>Plans for future care.</li>
</ul>
<p>
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices, ECRI, and the FDA have resources available to help manage drug shortages. They can assist with developing policies and processes and help identify when limiting or extending beyond use date should be used as a countermeasure.
</p>
<h3>Specialty care shortages</h3>
<p>
Lack of access to specialty care is another challenge in health care that can have devasting consequences for patients. To ensure patient safety, it is vital that staff involved are aware of the situation, of your mitigation plan, and of the required documentation and ongoing interim care until a patient can be seen. Delays in care should be clearly documented in the patient record. Considerations:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Make sure your patient understands the situation and be certain that all risks are known to the patient if surgery or a referral will be delayed.</li>
<li>Provide your patient with options. For example, you can offer to refer them to a specific physician who can treat them at a different facility if you do not have privileges at that organization. If necessary, consider appropriate physicians or practitioners in nearby communities. Save in the patient's chart a record of all communication attempts with other physicians and clinics for referral.</li>
<li>If the patient understands the risks and chooses to delay care rather than go to a different physician, document the options you offered and the fact that the patient chose to delay care. Summarize the plan for future patient care.</li>
<li>Indicate the current status of the patient.</li>
<li>Implement a system to track overdue surgeries, procedures, and appointments and create a process for ongoing monitoring of patients who are waiting. It is important to document any change in a patient's condition that would indicate a necessary escalation in care.</li>
</ul>
<p>
Lack of access to specialty care is not an opportunity to reduce safety criteria so patients can be seen more quickly. For example, a patient with comorbidities requiring a hospital colonoscopy cannot get their procedure in an ambulatory surgery center to avoid delay. Patients must still meet the criteria for care in an ASC.
</p>
<h3>Equipment recalls</h3>
<p>
The variety in recall types in health care underscores the importance of implementing a plan throughout your organization. Recalls can impact a small or large number of your patient population. Patients' dependence on mechanical and electronic technologies is increasing, and a sudden loss of access to these, as well as to medications, can be challenging. Managing the risks associated with recalls is a critical aspect of patient safety. Considerations:
</p>
<ul>
<li>Develop a recall policy that identifies state and federal requirements for documentation of lot numbers, serial numbers, and other identifying information needed to effectively manage medication and equipment recalls.</li>
<li>Create a plan that outlines the procedures for managing the specific recall. Include details such as identification, communication, notification, equipment retrieval, and documentation.</li>
<li>Work closely with the equipment manufacturers or suppliers to ensure you understand their guidelines, the recall classification (voluntary or mandatory; not likely to harm or serious risk), and the support they will provide.</li>
<li>Implement a system to quickly identify the recalled equipment, implant, or medication.</li>
<li>Identify patients affected by the recall. When possible, have alternative medication, equipment, or procedures in place to avoid disruption of care.</li>
<li>Develop a clear message that all staff should use when communicating or discussing the recall, including appropriate details such as:
<ul>
<li>What the equipment or implant or medication is (model number, manufactured date, lot number, etc.)</li>
<li>Reason for the recall</li>
<li>Potential risks</li>
<li>Steps the patient should take</li>
<li>Point of contact</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Choose the appropriate communication method(s):
<ul>
<li>Personalized letters</li>
<li>Phone calls</li>
<li>Patient portal</li>
<li>SMS alert</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Ensure that staff is prepared for a potential influx of calls and inquiries. Staff should be well-informed about the
recall and trained on how to handle patient concerns.
</li>
<li>
Schedule appointments, if necessary, for alternative treatment or checkup, if indicated.
</li>
<li>
Maintain thorough records of all recall-related activities, including notification received, actions taken, and the disposition of recalled equipment.
</li>
<li>
Send follow-up communication to all patients who have not responded or have not taken the necessary steps.
Document all patient communications in the patient record.
</li>
</ul>
<p>
Depending on the nature of the recall, a consent or declination-of-care document may be needed.
</p>
<p>
Every situation is unique and may call for tailored support. Do not hesitate to reach out to Physicians Insurance or your professional liability coverage provider for personalized assistance and guidance.
</p>
<p>
<em>Heather Edwards, RN, CPHQ, is a senior clinical consultant with Physicians Insurance. Physicians Insurance members can access detailed guidance including sample documentation at <a href="https://phyins.com/resources">phyins.com/resources</a>.</em>
</p>
<p>
<em> This article was featured in the May/June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports, WSMA's print magazine.</em>
</p>
</div> | 5/13/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| 2025-national-health-service-corps-site-application-cycle-open-through-june-17 | 2025 National Health Service Corps Site Application Cycle Open Through June 17 | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/2025-national-health-service-corps-site-application-cycle-open-through-june-17 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/may/exam-room-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="empty exam room" /></div>
<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
<h2>2025 National Health Service Corps Site Application Cycle Open Through June 17 </h2>
<p>Rural health clinics, outpatient facilities, substance-use-disorder treatment facilities, and others committed to providing care in rural and underserved communities may now apply to become a National Health Service Corps-approved site. There are benefits to being an NHSC-approved site: you can use your status to <a href="https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/sites/current-sites/recruit-retain-hire">recruit, hire, and retain clinicians</a>.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/sites/how-to-apply">2025 NHSC Site Application</a> is open from May 6-June 17, 2025. To help prepare your facility, the following support is offered by the state's Primary Care Office and the Health Resources and Service Administration: </p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1608824921?pwd=rQKX26Xt2oWJubtqG4zmYUwLCdzMHd.1">New Site Application Training Webinar</a> - May 13 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.</li>
<li><a href="https://hrsa-gov.zoomgov.com/j/1609967052?pwd=ef1DIwejhbnqV0EdHVgnyog1VFog4F.1">New Site Application Q&amp;A Session</a> - May 21 from 9-10:30 a.m.</li>
</ul>
<p>The <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/rural-health/primary-care-office">Primary Care Office</a> is hosting open office hours every Monday at 1 p.m., starting May 5. Get assistance with any questions or concerns related to your new NHSC site application. Reach out with any questions to <a href="mailto:PCO@doh.wa.gov">PCO@doh.wa.gov</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| cme-on-demand-immigration-law-enforcement-clinic-and-patient-rights | CME on Demand: Immigration Law Enforcement, Clinic and Patient Rights | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/cme-on-demand-immigration-law-enforcement-clinic-and-patient-rights | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/may/istock-2174234952-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="Physician and patient in exam room" /></div>
<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
<h2>CME on Demand: Immigration Law Enforcement, Clinic and Patient Rights </h2>
<p>With recent federal actions targeting immigrant communities, there is an urgent need for greater understanding of how community clinics, outpatient practices, and other health settings can prepare for immigration enforcement consistent with federal and state laws to ensure they remain safe and accessible to all Washington residents, regardless of immigration or citizenship status. On April 9, the WSMA covered these topics during a lunchtime webinar discussion, which featured Community Health Plan of Washington and the Washington State Health Care Authority discussing how they responded to the federal administration's executive orders regarding immigration. The webinar is <a href="[@]wsma/education/on_demand_webinars/immigration-law-enforcement-clinic-rights-and-patient-rights.aspx">now available to view on demand or to download as a podcast</a>. This activity is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.</p>
<p>The on-demand webinar and podcast are also available on our <a href="[@]wsma/resources/practice-management/immigrant-welfare/wsma/resources/practice-management/immigrant-welfare.aspx?hkey=f8b57929-686d-46ba-ab7d-c5d583bba7db">Immigrant Welfare</a> webpage, where you'll also find: </p>
<ul>
<li>Model policies and guidance for physician organizations wishing to protect against potential immigration enforcement activity.</li>
<li>"Red Cards" to help individuals assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. The cards are available in multiple languages and may be given to patients during appointments or kept in waiting rooms.</li>
<li>"Keep Washington Working" flyer-an information sheet about individuals' rights under the Keep Washington Working law.</li>
</ul>
<p>Visit the <a href="[@]wsma/resources/practice-management/immigrant-welfare/wsma/resources/practice-management/immigrant-welfare.aspx?hkey=f8b57929-686d-46ba-ab7d-c5d583bba7db">Immigrant Welfare</a> webpage for these resources and more.</p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| help-protect-medicaid-join-our-national-texting-campaign | Help Protect Medicaid. Join Our National Texting Campaign. | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/help-protect-medicaid-join-our-national-texting-campaign | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
<!-- **************************NEW ARTICLE****************************** -->
<h2>Help Protect Medicaid. Join Our National Texting Campaign.</h2>
<p>The WSMA has joined the Protect Our Healthcare Coalition in launching a nationwide peer-to-peer texting campaign to oppose federal Medicaid cuts-and we need volunteers.</p>
<p>Using a secure platform called RumbleUp, you'll be able to send prewritten, personalized messages directly to voters in key congressional districts. These messages will go out on behalf of local doctors and health care professionals urging recipients to call their members of Congress and demand they oppose Medicaid cuts. All texts are sent through RumbleUp's secure platform. Your personal phone number or messaging service is never used to contact voters.</p>
<p>How to volunteer for the texting campaign: Watch this <a href="http://protectourhealthcare.org/welcome">90-second welcome video</a>, then review <a href="http://www.protectourhealthcare.org/texting-program">full instructions on how to join the text program as a volunteer</a>. Contact the volunteer coordinators directly at <a href="mailto:info@protectourhealthcare.org">info@protectourhealthcare.org</a> with any questions or concerns. Thank you for volunteering.</p>
<h3>Also: Keep sharing your patient stories with congressional representatives </h3>
<p>While the WSMA works with our coalition partners to stand up our patient texting campaign, we need physicians, practitioners, and practice staff to keep sending messages to their federal lawmakers. The WSMA is sharing compelling data around the impact of such cuts, but it's often human-centered stories that move lawmakers-and that's where you come in. Please continue sending your members of Congress stories of how patients in your practice and community would be impacted by federal Medicaid funding cuts. <a href="https://takeaction.wsma.org/oppose-federal-medicaid-cuts/">Use our grassroots advocacy platform to send your stories</a>.</p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| immersive-leadership-training-with-the-physician-leadership-course-two-options-this-fall | Immersive Leadership Training with the Physician Leadership Course: Two Options This Fall | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/immersive-leadership-training-with-the-physician-leadership-course-two-options-this-fall | <div class="col-md-12">
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<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
<h2>Immersive Leadership Training with the Physician Leadership Course: Two Options This Fall </h2>
<p>Led by instructor Ed Walker, MD, MHA, the WSMA Physician Leadership Course is a 40+ hour leadership skills-development course for physicians and physician assistants who want to know more about health care leadership. With two formats available, hybrid-distance or all virtual, the course delivers 10 weeks of solid curriculum, minimizing your time away from patients, while maximizing your knowledge-building time.</p>
<p><strong><em>Note:</em></strong><em> Are you attending the Leadership Development Conference? Your LDC event registration receipt will include a special promotion code to get 5% off registration to WSMA's leadership courses.</em> </p>
<p>To make sure we're reaching as many physicians and physician assistants as possible with our cornerstone leadership development education, this fall we're offering two options for our Physician Leadership Course, a hybrid-format course and an all-virtual course.</p>
<ul>
<li>Physician Leadership Course (hybrid-distance) </li>
</ul>
<p>Sept. 12-Nov. 21, 2025. Only two in-person days required.</p>
<ul>
<li>Physician Leadership Course (all virtual) </li>
</ul>
<p>Oct. 3-Dec. 12, 2025 </p>
<p>Learn more about the course from Dr. Walker and hear what Physician Leadership Course graduates have to say about growing their leadership skills to drive positive change in health care in this <a href="https://player.vimeo.com/video/837228441?h=a7645ccf29">brief five-minute video</a>.</p>
<p>For a full course curriculum, information on CME and MOC credits, visit the <a href="[@]wsma/education/physician_leadership/physician_leadership_course/wsma/physician_leadership/physician_leadership_course/physician_leadership_course.aspx?hkey=efdc4ad1-ff20-4089-ab51-caafbe73572b&amp;WebsiteKey=c182ff6d-1438-4899-abc5-614681b54927">course webpage</a>. Get started on your leadership journey and enroll today for the schedule and format that fits your needs. These activities have been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Credit</em>â„¢.</p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| july-29-deadline-for-physician-groups-to-file-claims-in-the-28-billion-bcbs-antitrust-settlement | July 29 Deadline for Physician Groups to File Claims in the $28 Billion BCBS Antitrust Settlement | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/july-29-deadline-for-physician-groups-to-file-claims-in-the-28-billion-bcbs-antitrust-settlement | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/may/bill-oxford-oxghu60nwxu-unsplash-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="gavel" /></div>
<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
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<h2>July 29 Deadline for Physician Groups to File Claims in the $28 Billion BCBS Antitrust Settlement </h2>
<p><em>Plan now to attend webinars on how to successfully submit claims on May 16 or 30</em> </p>
<p>Physician practices or organizations that provided health care services, equipment, or supplies to Blue Plan patients at any time from July 24, 2008, to Oct. 4, 2024, may be eligible to submit a claim for a share of a <a href="[@]Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/january-10/multibillion-dollar-antitrust-settlement-in-blue-cross-blue-shield-case-granted-preliminary-approval">$2.8 billion settlement reached with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield system</a>. Physicians and physician groups are advised to review the <a href="https://www.bcbsprovidersettlement.com/">eligibility criteria</a> before submitting a claim. Claims must be submitted <a href="https://www.bcbsprovidersettlement.com/Home">online</a> or mailed and postmarked by July 29, 2025.</p>
<p>Whatley Kallas, who represented the health care plaintiffs in the class-action suit, is holding the following webinars for physicians, health professionals, and facilities on how to submit claims: </p>
<p>For medical professionals/groups: </p>
<ul>
<li>Friday, May 16, 9-10 a.m. Register <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HEuyvF2NQ8GKtrORTfNLaA">here</a>.</li>
<li>Friday, May 30, 9-10 a.m. Register <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L4xXsIlUSF6Kkl-sLqMv0g">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>For health care facilities: </p>
<ul>
<li>Friday, May 23, 9-10 a.m. Register <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nUBaSKQ6T5C19y08YpeqoQ">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<p>For more information, visit the <a href="https://whatleykallas.com/bcbs-settlement/">Watley Kallas dedicated page for the settlement</a>. If you have any questions, email <a href="mailto:BCBSProviderSettlement@WhatleyKallas.com">BCBSProviderSettlement@WhatleyKallas.com</a> or call 800.745.8153.</p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| may-is-mental-health-awareness-month-3-concrete-actions-to-take | May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: 3 Concrete Actions to Take | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/may-is-mental-health-awareness-month-3-concrete-actions-to-take | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/may/thriving-in-medicine-report-cover-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Thriving in Medicine report cover" /></div>
<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
<h2>May Is Mental Health Awareness Month: 3 Concrete Actions to Take </h2>
<p>While physician suicide was a crisis long before COVID-19, the demands of the pandemic and from the ongoing "long tail" of the pandemic have created an even greater sense of urgency to better support physicians' mental health and well-being. This May, let <a href="https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month/">National Mental Health Month</a> be a reminder to take action, raise your voice, and help change the conversation around mental health. Use the following news updates, resources, and action items to help us spread the word.</p>
<h3>Advocating at the system level so that we're all "Thriving in Medicine" </h3>
<p>Acting on results from a 2024 survey revealing a need for more adaptable wellness programs, the WSMA Foundation's wellness committee published "<a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/thriving-in-medicine-wellness-report/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/thriving-in-medicine-cultivating-choice-competence-and-community.aspx?hkey=3ee3843c-a851-4a23-b464-c53890175d12">Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community</a>," a set of criteria for medical organizations, leaders, physicians, and practitioners to assess and implement positive changes within their systems or settings. The report is a guide to start, or to reevaluate and renew, processes to allow physicians and practitioners to thrive, based on three takeaways: </p>
<ul>
<li>Productive and positive change requires listening to, involving, and empowering physicians and practitioners.</li>
<li>Productive and positive change takes dedicated resources and support.</li>
<li>Wellness programs that are supported with time and financial support are viewed most positively, have better outcomes, and foster a greater sense that leadership supports joy in medicine.</li>
</ul>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Action alert #1:</strong> Download and review "<a href="javascript://[Uploaded files/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/thriving-in-medicine/wsma-thriving-in-medicine-report.pdf]">Thriving in Medicine: Cultivating Choice, Competence, and Community.</a>" Use it as a resource, regardless of your leadership position. Physicians and physician assistants not in leadership roles can introduce the report to their leadership team.</p>
<h3>House Bill 1718: Making wellness programs safer and more accessible </h3>
<p>Starting this summer, wellness programs will be more accessible for Washington physicians and physician assistants, due to the passage of WSMA priority legislation <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=1718&amp;Year=2025&amp;Initiative=false">House Bill 1718</a>. The result of a multiyear campaign in partnership with the Washington Chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, HB 1718 establishes confidentiality protections for physician and physician assistant well-being programs-the lack of which has been frequently cited by physicians and practitioners as a barrier to access. Championed by bill sponsor Rep. My-Linh Thai (D-Bellevue), HB 1718 passed both the House and Senate unanimously this year and goes into effect July 26, 2025.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Action alert #2:</strong> <a href="[@]wsma/education/upcoming_webinars/wsma/education/upcoming_webinars/Upcoming_Webinars.aspx?hkey=b760d6bd-1833-412d-b681-babf251792a8">Register for a free lunchtime wellness webinar</a> this Monday, May 12, where you'll hear from physician wellness experts on why confidentiality protections for wellness programs are important, along with credentialing reform and other wellness advocacy initiatives. Washington Physicians Health Program Executive Medical Director Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, and Stef Simmons, MD, an emergency department physician and vice president of clinician engagement for Envision Healthcare's national medical group, will lead the robust discussion. This activity has been approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.</p>
<h3>Catch up on episodes from our wellness podcast and earn CME </h3>
<p>The WSMA Foundation Physician and Practitioner Wellness Podcast features discussions on clinician wellness from a variety of perspectives drawing on evidence-based work on the topic. Each episode is moderated by a member of the WSMA Foundation's <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/thriving-in-medicine-wellness-report/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/thriving-in-medicine-cultivating-choice-competence-and-community.aspx?hkey=3ee3843c-a851-4a23-b464-c53890175d12">wellness committee</a>. These episodes are newly available: </p>
<p><a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-7-the-power-of-our-mindset-and-perspectives.aspx">Episode 7: The Power of Our Mindset and Perspectives</a> - An enlightening conversation with Tamara Chang, MD, award-winning author, leadership coach, and co-founder of Pink Coat, MD, about defining perspective and mindset, exploring different types of perspectives and mindsets, understanding their impact on outcomes, and integrating the power of these concepts into your work and life as a physician or practitioner.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wsma.org/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wellness-podcast-episodes/episode-8-coaching-programs-to-improve-wellness.aspx">Episode 8: Coaching Programs to Improve Wellness</a> - A discussion with Gregg Miller MD, chief medical officer at Vituity, on how to apply a medical group's best practices around wellness to your organization and develop tailored coaching programs for physicians and practitioners.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Action alert #3:</strong> This month, commit to listening or watching at least one wellness podcast episode to find out what you're missing. The podcast is free, open to all practitioner types, and offers CME. Access the episodes at the links provided or from our podcast channel, WSMA Podcasts, available through <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wsma-podcasts/id1702920307">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0PBMBLgHr6e0X3OaMjyJON?si=af140842c00c430c">Spotify</a>. Each podcast is approved for <em>AMA PRA Category 1 Creditâ„¢</em>.</p>
<p>Thank you for taking three actions this month in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. For all of our wellness resources, visit the WSMA Foundation's <a href="[@]wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/wsma/foundation/physician-and-practitioner-wellness/physician-and-practitioner-wellness.aspx?hkey=3d237805-2558-404b-99b9-1108bb8a0292">Physician and Practitioner Wellness</a> webpages.</p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| may-june-wsma-reports-climate-change-checkup-for-health-care | May/June WSMA Reports: Climate Change Checkup for Health Care | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/may-june-wsma-reports-climate-change-checkup-for-health-care | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/may/cover-wsma-mayjune-2025-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="May-June 2025 cover of WSMA Reports" /></div>
<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
<h2>May/June WSMA Reports: Climate Change Checkup for Health Care </h2>
<p>As a benefit of your membership with the WSMA, you'll receive <em>WSMA Reports</em>, our member magazine, in the mail every other month. The magazine features news and perspectives from a physician's point of view, from the voices of WSMA members themselves.</p>
<h3>A preview of the May/June issue </h3>
<p>Increasingly, concerned members of the medical community, including the WSMA, are taking an active role in the climate equivalent of "physician, heal thyself," asking what health care can and should do to reduce its carbon footprint. In this issue of <em>WSMA Reports</em>, feature writer Rita Colorito talks with physician leaders in Washington who are helping to spearhead efforts to reduce the use of anesthetic gases-widely considered the foremost priority for cleaning ("greening") up health care's act.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, feature writer John Gallagher speaks with young physician leaders at the WSMA who, like many young physicians across the country, are increasingly turning to public policy advocacy to tackle climate change and other social issues of our time.</p>
<p>Another issue of our time: health care shortages. Medication and specialty shortages and equipment recalls are on the rise-as is your malpractice exposure. Get the latest risk management guidance from our trusted partners Physicians Insurance.</p>
<p>Elsewhere in the magazine: </p>
<ul>
<li>"Kids' Health Is Not a Partisan Issue" and opinion piece by Amrita Stark, MD </li>
<li>Member Spotlight on Ken Foerster, MD </li>
<li>By the Numbers: Match Day Class of 2025 </li>
<li>And more.</li>
</ul>
<p>This issue's striking cover illustration is by Emma Cheng. We hope you enjoy this benefit of your membership-thank you for your member support. <a href="[@]wsma/about/wsma-reports/issues/2025/may-june.aspx">Log in to download the issue</a>.</p>
<p>Have feedback you'd like to share? Topics you'd like to see discussed in the magazine-or voices you'd like to hear from? The magazine's editorial team would love to hear from you. Write them at <a href="mailto:editors@wsma.org">editors@wsma.org</a>. Opinion columns are welcome, too-please keep to 500 words.</p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| save-the-date-ai-in-health-care-with-peter-lee-sept-19 | Save the Date! AI in Health Care with Peter Lee: Sept. 19 | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/save-the-date-ai-in-health-care-with-peter-lee-sept-19 | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/may/ai-face-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="circuit board in silhouette of a face" /></div>
<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
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<h2>Save the Date! AI in Health Care with Peter Lee: Sept. 19 </h2>
<p><em>8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Westin Bellevue. Featuring Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Research</em> </p>
<p>WSMA's Artificial Intelligence Work Group is pleased to announce a day of learning and engagement on Sept. 19 at the Westin Bellevue, one day before the 2025 Annual Meeting of the WSMA House of Delegates. Headlining the event will be Peter Lee, president of Microsoft Research and its incubations in artificial intelligence, computing foundations, health, and life sciences. He will present "The AI Revolution in Medicine, Revisited." </p>
<p>The conference will cover: </p>
<ul>
<li>The regulatory landscape of AI in health care.</li>
<li>The future of AI technologies in clinical use.</li>
<li>What AI tools are being utilized in physician practice today and what's on the horizon.</li>
</ul>
<h3>About the Keynote Presentation </h3>
<p><strong>Peter Lee presents "The AI Revolution in Medicine, Revisited" - </strong>About three years ago, while ChatGPT and, later, the GPT-4 AI models were still in secret development at OpenAI, a group of researchers at Microsoft Research started investigating the potential impact of this new technology on health care delivery and medical research. One result of this investigation was the publication of the book in early 2023, "The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond," coauthored with Carey Goldberg and Isaac Kohane. But since the book was written while GPT-4 was still a secret to the world, it was largely a work of speculation. So now, with a bit more than two years of real-world observation and experience, what is actually happening? And what is likely to happen next in the world of health care? This talk will go into what we had predicted, what we got right, and what we missed, as a way to help us see a bit into the future.</p>
<h3>About the Keynote Presenter </h3>
<p>As president of Microsoft Research, Peter Lee's leadership spans 11 worldwide laboratories to advance human knowledge and incubate research-powered products in artificial intelligence, computer science, health, and life sciences. Coauthor of the book, "The AI Revolution in Medicine: GPT-4 and Beyond," Lee was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in health and life sciences in 2024.</p>
<p>Conference registration will be announced this month. For now, save the date and <a href="[@]wsma/events/AI_in_Health_Care/wsma/events/ai-in-health-care/ai-in-health-care.aspx?hkey=b0f6b89a-e575-4fc1-89a1-20e9c0749ae3">bookmark the meeting page</a>! </p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| supporting-womens-health-with-new-doh-patient-materials | Supporting Women's Health with New DOH Patient Materials | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Membership_Memo/2025/may-9/supporting-womens-health-with-new-doh-patient-materials | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/MembershipMemo/2025/may/female-patient-physician-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="female patient in exam room" /></div>
<h5>May 9, 2025</h5>
<h2>Supporting Women's Health with New DOH Patient Materials </h2>
<p>For our primary care members, the Washington State Department of Health now offers newly developed patient and professional materials on underdiscussed, under screened, and undertreated conditions affecting women and girls in our state.</p>
<h3>Preventing congenital cytomegalovirus </h3>
<p>Cytomegalovirus is a common virus that can cause serious birth defects in infants born to women infected during pregnancy. Severe cases of CMV during pregnancy can cause pregnancy loss. The Department of Health now offers educational resources for pregnant women about preventing in-utero exposure to cytomegalovirus. Find a wealth of resources, including a patient flyer in 12 languages for your waiting or exam room, at <a href="https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/womens-health/pregnancy/cmv-newborns">CMV in Newborns | Washington State Department of Health</a>.</p>
<h3>Preventing and responding to genital mutilation and cutting </h3>
<p>In 2023, Washington became the 41st state to enact <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5453&amp;Year=2023&amp;Initiative=false">legislation</a> to make <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation">female genital mutilation or cutting</a> illegal. An estimated 25,000 women and girls in our state are at risk of or have undergone female genital mutilation or cutting. The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area is reported to be home to the nation's fifth largest impacted community.</p>
<p>Primary care physicians and physician assistants can support the prevention of female genital mutilation or cutting by sharing information about both the range of short- and long-term impacts and the laws prohibiting it. To engage patients and family members using culturally responsive approaches and avoid retraumatizing survivors, it's important to be familiar with the communities and contexts where female genital mutilation or cutting occurs. The following resources provide best practice for practitioners: </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/272429/9789241513913-eng.pdf?ua=1">Care for Girls &amp; Women Living with Female Genital Mutilation</a> (World Health Organization) </li>
<li><a href="https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549646">Management of Health Complications from Female Genital Mutilation</a> (World Health Organization) </li>
<li><a href="https://fgmtoolkit.gwu.edu/">FGM/C Educational Toolkit for Providers and Survivors</a> (George Washington University) </li>
</ul>
<p>For more information reach out to <a href="mailto:carolyn.house-higgins@doh.wa.gov">Carolyn House-Higgins</a> in the department's injury and violence prevention section or <a href="mailto:megan.guffey@doh.wa.gov">Dr. Megan Guffey,</a> regional medical officer at the department.</p>
</div> | 5/9/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| the-power-of-giving | The Power of Giving | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/the-power-of-giving | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Northern Capital Management logo" class="pull-right" src="/images/membership/why-join-the-wsma/partners-in-medicine/northern-capital-management/northern-capital-management-logo.jpg" />
</div>
<h5>May 8, 2025</h5>
<h2>The Power of Giving </h2>
<h5>Sponsored content </h5>
<p>By David Holloway, Northern Capital Management.</p>
<p>During lunch with my father around 30 years ago, he suggested that I give serious consideration to intentional giving on a regular basis. Assuring him I'd think about it, the reality was this: I was in my mid-thirties with a five-year-old (and another one on the way) amidst a job change and with variable income. In short: no way.</p>
<p>Weeks later, Dave Ramsey, a newly syndicated radio talk show host (now worth over $200 million) was speaking about the wisdom of giving.</p>
<p>Prompted twice, further exploration seemed prudent.</p>
<p>While the term giving is often associated with monetary giving, generosity can be practiced by giving time to a person or organization, or providing a needed skill that is not easily replicated. This discussion will deal primarily with monetary giving and some potential tax benefits.</p>
<h3>Why consider giving? </h3>
<p>Health benefits: <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-giving-is-good-for-your-health">Giving makes you feel better</a>. </p>
<p>As you help someone or give a gift, your brain secretes "feel good" chemicals such as: </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin">Serotonin</a> (which regulates your mood). </li>
<li><a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine">Dopamine</a> (which gives you a sense of pleasure). </li>
<li><a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22618-oxytocin">Oxytocin</a> (which creates a sense of connection with others). </li>
</ul>
<p>Cortisol on the other hand is considered a "stress hormone." Elevated levels of cortisol over time can have negative health impacts including hypertension and diabetes. One study found <a href="https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igy023.283">cortisol output was attenuated on days when respondents volunteered compared to days when they did not volunteer</a>. </p>
<h3>Tax planning benefits </h3>
<p>Along with health benefits, there are numerous tax and estate-planning benefits derived from charitable giving.</p>
<ul>
<li>Cash gifts: Easiest to do, simply donate cash to a charitable organization you wish to support. Itemize deductions and you can deduct up to 60% of your <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/adjusted-gross-income-agi">adjusted gross income</a> using charitable donations, but you may be limited in some cases.</li>
<li>Appreciated assets: Gifting of highly appreciated stock or real estate can be considered. In most cases, the donor will receive the current value of the asset as a donation and is relieved of the capital gains tax burden. </li>
<li>Know someone who's retired? While most IRA distributions are taxable, gifts made to a charity directly from an IRA (who's owner is at least age 70.5) are considered a non-taxable distribution.</li>
<li>Cars, boats, airplanes, etc.: Many organizations accept gifts-of-use assets, and you qualify for a charitable deduction. In the Inland Northwest, Union Gospel Mission accepts vehicles, and the tax benefit is described as follows: </li>
</ul>
<p>*If your car sells for more than $500, you claim the sales price as your deduction, including improvements made by UGM Motors, with the exception of major repairs, like an engine swap or transmission rebuild. Deductions from the sales price would be itemized on the donor's 1098C form. </p>
<h3>Planned charitable giving and estate planning benefits </h3>
<p>These methods of giving are used when tactical giving situations arise or are part of an estate plan to mitigate current year tax or estate-tax liabilities. To emphasize the importance of engaging planning strategies, a reminder that Washington state currently levies taxes (10-20%) on estates valued at more than $2,193,000 when the surviving spouse passes. Ouch! </p>
<ul>
<li>Donor-advised funds (DAFs): Funding a DAF is a great way to receive a current year deduction (in case of high tax liability year) and control timing of charitable distributions. Contributions are made into the DAF and the donor then recommends amounts and timing of distributions to supported charitable organizations. DAFs are low cost and simple to administer.</li>
<li>Charitable remainder trusts: Planned giving where assets are transferred into a trust for the benefit of a charity, and the donor retains an income stream from the trust for a period of time or until death. Ultimately the trust assets go to the specified charity.</li>
<li>Charitable lead trust: Assets are transferred into a trust that provides income to a charity for a set period, then ultimately passes to the donor's heirs.</li>
<li>Gift annuities: A contract between a donor and charity where the donor gifts money, securities, or possibly other assets to a charity. In return, the donor is eligible for a partial tax deduction and a specified lifetime income stream.</li>
<li>Private foundations: A similar strategy to the donor-advised fund, but the donor incorporates and funds a private non-profit foundation. Transferred assets are then invested and certain levels of gifting are required of the foundation annually. A private foundation can be a useful tool for future generations to continue a founder's charitable intent. Administrative and corporate filing duties can be cumbersome. </li>
</ul>
<p>Other trusts such as irrevocable life insurance trusts, generation-skipping trusts, and grantor-retained annuity trusts are designed to shield assets from estate tax and are not primarily designed for charitable intentions.</p>
<h3>Ready to go? </h3>
<p>Always a good idea to employ the advice of a CPA, and in cases of trusts, a tenured tax and estate attorney. </p>
<p>Verify the charity you want to support is using resources wisely: </p>
<p>For tax deduction purposes, be certain the charity is a qualified 501c(3) organization. Check with the secretary of state where the charity is headquartered.</p>
<p>Most charitable organizations are required to file a Form 990-PF. This IRS form will show how the entity is directing their income and expenditures. Verify funds are being used for mission specific work, and not overly burdened by administrative costs. You can find 990-PFs <a href="https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/">here</a>.</p>
<p>Use a research group like Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving Alliance. These organizations provide a rating system for many qualified charities.</p>
<p>Gifts to charities you feel strongly aligned with will be remembered far more fondly than most of the other spending you do.</p>
<h3>Questions? </h3>
<p><a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-members">Northern Capital Management</a> advisors are certified financial planners with extensive experience working with medical professionals. </p>
<p>You may reach us by utilizing our WSMA member contact <a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-contact">form</a>.</p>
<p>The WSMA is a client of <a href="https://northernwelcome.com/wsma-members">Northern Capital Management</a> and Northern Capital Retirement Services and receives compensation for promoting our services. As a result of the compensation arrangement there is an inherent conflict of interest. Review the disclosure. </p>
<p><em>--This article is brought to you by WSMA's preferred partner, </em><a href="[@]wsma/membership/why_join_the_wsma_/partners-in-medicine/northern-capital-management.aspx"><em>Northern Capital Management</em></a><em>, providing WSMA members financial planning and wealth management support tailored to the unique needs of the physician community.</em> </p>
</div> | 5/8/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| caring-for-patients-beyond-the-exam-room | Caring for Patients Beyond the Exam Room | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/caring-for-patients-beyond-the-exam-room | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Reports/2025/may-june/cover-wsma-may-june-2025-645x425px.jpg" class="pull-right" alt="cover image from May-June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports" /></div>
<h5>May&nbsp;6, 2025</h5>
<h2>Caring for Patients Beyond the Exam Room</h2>
<h5>
<em>Members only; sign-in required.</em>
</h5>
<p>By John Gallagher</p>
<p>
In 2024, while tracking health data, Bindu Nayak, MD, could see that during a wildfire smoke episode, there was a huge increase in emergency room visits for children with asthma, with a disproportionate number of the visits among Latino children, the vast majority of whom were on Medicaid. "We knew that using indoor air purifiers is one of the few things that could help children with asthma during a wildfire smoke episode to improve indoor air quality," she says. However, Medicaid does not cover air purifiers to help with asthma.
</p>
<p>
"I could see that there was this need, and there hadn't been any solution to the problem," Dr. Nayak, an endocrinologist with Confluence Health in Wenatchee, recalls. "Historically, Central and Eastern Washington have more wildfire exposure, so the need felt disproportionate. I thought this was something important to advocate for."
</p>
<p>
The problem was where to do so. "I didn't see many avenues," Dr. Nayak admits. "But in July 2024, I realized that this was a perfect resolution in the [WSMA] House of Delegates. It's one of the only ways to advocate for solutions to problems we discover."
</p>
<p>
Dr. Nayak serves on the WSMA's board of trustees as an officer of the association's executive committee and serves as a delegate on the House of Delegates representing the board of trustees. She says working on the resolution went smoothly. "The ability to write a resolution was the best way to advocate for this. I did ask for help from other members of WSMA, and it was great to get input on the best way to write it," she says. "The process was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I learned a lot from it."
</p>
<p>
The WSMA House of Delegates adopted the resolution at its annual meeting in October 2024. Since then, with the new policy on its books, the WSMA successfully advocated for the air filter coverage policy to be included in Robert J. Bree Collaborative's guidelines around heat and wildfire smoke and has shared the policy with the state Health Care Authority.
</p>
<h3>Patients first</h3>
<p>
Helping patients is the heart of physician practice. It's why physicians chose their career in the first place, and it's why the profession holds a unique place in society. But improving health doesn't happen just in the exam room. Organized medicine has a long history of advocacy for better health for large populations, successfully campaigning for everything from adding vitamin D to milk to prevent rickets to lobbying to end smoking on airplanes. That's why physicians, including young physicians, are turning to advocacy in organizations like the WSMA to effect change far beyond their practice walls.
</p>
<p>
"I want to be able to make a difference in patients' and communities' lives," says Daniel Low, MD, a family physician with HealthPoint in Renton. "While that can happen individually in the clinic and the hospital, both at which I work, to make change more broadly requires institutional change, which is inherently tied to policy. Therefore, advocacy work is incumbent upon me and the physician community."
</p>
<p>
Dr. Nayak concurs. Because of her work on health equity, she sees large- scale patterns affecting many people. "I'm looking at population health data," she points out. "It's not just a few patients who are affected, but whole groups of patients who are affected. When you see that trend, it made me realize that there needs to be a bigger solution."
</p>
<p>
Advocacy is an integral part of the WSMA's mission. In recent years, the WSMA has helped effect major improvements to public health policy in Washington state. These include raising the age of sale of tobacco and vapor products in Washington state from 18 to 21, eliminating personal and philosophical vaccine exemptions for school, child care, and preschool, passing protections for reproductive health and gender-affirming care services, and banning the sale of semiautomatic "assault weapons."
</p>
<h3>The seeds of public policy advocacy</h3>
<p>
Dr. Low began his advocacy work while he was still in medical school at the University of Washington, when he saw how friends who were undocumented struggled to enter medical school. Dr. Low first successfully advocated for a change to the medical school's matriculation criteria to allow for admissions of undocumented students. Even then, these students faced barriers accessing student loans. Undaunted, Dr. Low helped draft and pass legislation in the Washington State Legislature that allowed access to loans for students, including undocumented students, willing to work in underserved areas.
</p>
<p>
"It's been a decade of doing this work," he says. "It's been really meaningful."
</p>
<p>
Dr. Low, who serves as a delegate on the WSMA House of Delegates representing the King County Medical Society, co-authored three resolutions at the 2024 WSMA Annual Meeting, all related to the health care industry's contributions to climate change: reducing single-use plastics in health care, reducing anesthesia gases in health care, and encouraging health care industry adoption of the National Academy of Medicine's Sustainability Journey Map (see this issue's cover story). "It's an acknowledgment of the role that health care plays in climate change," he says. "If health care was an individual country, we would be the fifth largest contributor to greenhouse gases in the world."
</p>
<p>
Dr. Low admits that advocating for systemic change can be frustrating because of how long it can take. "Compared to clinical care, it has a much more glacial pace to it," he says. "It's important to have other folks who are passionate about this work to buoy you when there are the frustrations and setbacks, which are inevitable."
</p>
<p>
But the seeds of advocacy can unexpectedly take root. In medical school and his residency, Dr. Low spent a lot of time with people who were experiencing homelessness. "I was thinking of how we could frame this as a public health issue," he said. Eventually, he successfully brought a resolution to the WSMA House of Delegates identifying homelessness as a public health crisis and compelling WSMA's advocacy for policies that support the construction and management of supportive housing.
</p>
<p>
After the policy was adopted, the homeless crisis in Seattle and the state dramatically expanded. Suddenly, the Legislature took up a measure mirroring the WSMA resolution, coordinating how clinics and health care facilities could collaborate with housing groups to create better outcomes for people. Legislative staff directly reached out to Dr. Low for help in drafting the bill. With the new House of Delegates policy providing guidance to WSMA's legislative advocacy, the association threw its weight behind the measure, which passed the Legislature and led to major investments in the program.
</p>
<p>
"It was a rewarding opportunity to see this work come full circle, to see the patients in front of you who are suffering, address the broader context of what that means, and then take it to an institution and argue for the value of this type of policy," says Dr. Low. "Even if it took a few years, it was manifested in the state Legislature and influenced how that law was written."
</p>
<h3>Getting started</h3>
<p>
Dr. Nayak says that she can see the need for another resolution around continued glucose monitoring. "There's a huge need for better coverage of CGM," she says. "A lot of the time, patients can't afford a CGM and Medicaid doesn't cover it for most patients, which makes it harder to monitor their glucose levels, and as a physician, it's hard for me to help them help them without this information." However, she notes, "the first step to solve the problem is to change the system." And that means advocating with a resolution.
</p>
<p>
"It seems such a difficult thing to do, but for physicians, going through the House of Delegates with a resolution seems like the way to do it," says Dr. Nayak. "I'm very appreciative that there is this option. There aren't many other ways for physicians to advocate for policy. This is a unique and very special opportunity."
</p>
<p>
The ability to make meaningful change is one of the benefits of working at the state level, says Dr. Low.
</p>
<p>
"One of the reasons that I find working with WSMA so important is that it is significant enough with budget and influence to make dynamic changes and have an impact, but also small enough to have meaningful relationships and meetings with legislators," says Dr. Low. By contrast, the dynamics at the federal level are far more complex.
</p>
<p>
Dr. Low encourages other physicians not to be put off by a lack of advocacy experience. "I would say jump in and get your feet wet," he advises. "Advocacy is a skill set. None of us is going to be an expert when we start. Just as it took hundreds of hours to hone a clinical skill set, the same is true of advocacy. That doesn't mean you can't make a difference here and now."
</p>
<p>
Dr. Low says that advocacy work is an important counterbalance to the pressures of practicing medicine. "It absolutely helps with some of the day- to-day stresses and potential moral injuries in our field," he says. "Part of that is simply because it's a constant reminder of why we are doing this work and what has brought us into the field of medicine in the first place."
</p>
<p>
For Dr. Low, advocacy is also an opportunity to take advantage of the privilege that the profession affords him to work on his patients' behalf. "For me personally it's been in relation to the issue of health equity, and how I can leverage my expertise and position to make a difference for those who often have been excluded in policymaking and have not received the same benefits of medical advances," he says. "In doing this work, I'm able to see how I can use my voice and position in that space, and that's extremely motivating and powerful."
</p>
<p>
<em>John Gallagher is a freelance writer specializing in health care.</em>
</p>
<p>
<em>This article was featured in the May/June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports, WSMA's print magazine.</em>
</p>
</div> | 5/6/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| kids-health-is-not-a-partisan-issue | Kids' Health Is Not a Partisan Issue | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/kids-health-is-not-a-partisan-issue | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Reports/2025/may-june/heartbeat-website-image-stark-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Heartbeat: Amrita Stark, MD graphic" /></div>
<h5>May 5, 2025</h5>
<h2>Kids' Health Is Not a Partisan Issue</h2>
<p>
By Amrita Stark, MD
</p>
<p>
Do you believe health care is a human right?
</p>
<p>
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child declares: Children have the right to the best health care possible, clean water to drink, healthy food, and a clean and safe environment to live in. To provide this basic human right to the children of our country, we depend on Medicaid insurance. And right now, Medicaid is in danger.
</p>
<p>
I write to ask you to act now to protect Medicaid; call your legislators as soon as possible.
</p>
<p>
I am a primary pediatrician and partner at Child and Adolescent Clinic, which was created by Drs. Phyllis and Travis Cavens in 1978. From a truly mom-and-pop affair, we have grown to two pediatric offices with 12 clinicians caring for thousands of families in Southwest Washington.
</p>
<p>
Since our clinic's inception, we have been committed to compassionate, evidence-based care for all children. Children of all races and ethnicities. Children with disabilities. Children of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Children who speak all languages. Children of all religions. Children with or without documented immigration status. And children with virtually all types of insurance.
</p>
<p>
The majority of families we serve have Medicaid insurance; roughly 80%. In fact, 38% of children in Washington have Medicaid insurance. Proposed federal budget cuts will affect millions of families in Washington and the majority of families we serve. If these cuts are sustained, there will be concrete effects on the health of children and their families that will, in turn, affect us all. Families already struggle to get access to quality care, especially preventive care. Funding deficits will shrink the availability and timeliness of medical services.
</p>
<p>
Unhealthy kids grow into unhealthy adults. Unhealthy kids miss school and don't sleep well. Their parents miss work. Unhealthy kids have worse economic prospects as they grow up. They are more likely to struggle with addiction and mental health problems.
</p>
<p>
This is a moment when we need all hands on deck. Together. Doctors and nurses. Patients and families. Speak up for all children and their families and for the work we do at Child and Adolescent Clinic. United, we must save and enhance Medicaid to strengthen the health of our state and our country.
</p>
<p>
The health of your children, of your neighbor's children, of all children is not a partisan issue. The health of our country's children predicts our future.
</p>
<p>
<em><strong>Amrita Stark, MD</strong>, is a pediatrician at the Child and Adolescent Clinic in Vancouver.</em>
</p>
<p>
<em>*Note: A version of this article ran in The Columbian on March 13, 2025.</em>
</p>
</div> | 5/5/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |
| member-spotlight-ken-foerster-md | Member Spotlight: Ken Foerster, MD | Latest_News | Shared_Content/News/Latest_News/2025/member-spotlight-ken-foerster-md | <div class="col-md-12">
<div class="col-sm-5 pull-right" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/Newsletters/Reports/2025/may-june/member-spotlight-website-foerster-645x425px.png" class="pull-right" alt="Member Spotlight: Ken Foerster, MD graphic" /></div>
<h5>May 5, 2025</h5>
<h2>Member Spotlight: Ken Foerster, MD</h2>
<p>
<strong>Works at:</strong> Franciscan Urgent Care, Federal Way.
</p>
<p>
<strong>How long in practice:</strong> 10 years.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Specialty:</strong> Family medicine.
</p>
<p> <strong>Why WSMA:</strong> The WSMA is a community of like-minded, engaged, and compassionate physicians dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of medical practice in Washington state. I'm proud to be a part of this organization and contribute to the collective voice that advocates for our profession, our patients, and the future of medicine.</p>
<p>
<strong>My top concerns in medicine: </strong>Ensuring access to high-quality, appropriate, and timely care remains a top priority. Patients deserve care that is not only effective but also equitable and efficient. In Washington, we are facing a growing crisis of access, and the WSMA is a driving force for meaningful improvement. The organization has been instrumental in advocating for solutions, and it must continue leading the charge. The special report, "<a href="https://wsma.org/wsma/advocacy/advocacy-topics/health-care-workforce/wsma/advocacy/advocacy-topics/health-care-workforce.aspx?hkey=4241c0b4-8fe5-413c-87cb-67c3d0a4c09b">Revitalizing Washington State's Health Care Workforce</a>," is a prime example of WSMA's expertise in action-offering concise recommendations to address workforce shortages, reduce administrative burdens, and eliminate disparities. By implementing these strategies, we can strengthen the health care system and ensure every patient receives the care they need when they need it.
</p>
<p>
<strong>What inspires me in medicine:</strong> Compassion and meaningful human interaction. In a world that often feels divided, medicine remains one of the last spaces where genuine human connection thrives. Today's social and political climate can be hostile, but in medicine, we witness the best of humanity-people seeking help, placing trust in others, and finding healing through connection. As physicians, we have a unique opportunity to foster these moments of empathy and understanding every day. Our role allows us to be a force for good, reminding us that kindness and trust are at the core of human nature.
</p>
<p>
<strong>Changes challenging our profession: </strong>Artificial intelligence is on the horizon, and while its full impact has yet to be realized in medicine, it will be transformative. As physician leaders, we must prepare ourselves and our profession to harness AI as a tool for enhancing-not replacing-our work. The public may struggle to understand the role of AI in health care, but like any technology, its effectiveness depends on those who wield it. Physicians must continue to lead with expertise, empathy, and integrity to ensure AI complements, rather than compromises, patient care.
</p>
<p>
<strong>If I weren't a doctor, I'd be:</strong> A teacher. Knowledge is power, and education is empowerment. I have immense respect for teachers and deep gratitude for those who have shaped my life. That same passion for education influences my approach to medicine. I see my most important duty as helping patients understand their health so they can take control of their well- being. Like a teacher, my role is to provide knowledge and guidance, ultimately empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care.
</p>
<p>
<em>This article was featured in the May/June 2025 issue of WSMA Reports, WSMA's print magazine.</em>
</p>
</div> | 5/5/2025 12:00:00 AM | 1/1/0001 12:00:00 AM |